Appointment Committee summons three Evans Kidero’s nominees for fresh vetting

By Geoffrey Mosoku

Nairobi, Kenya: Three nominees for Nairobi Executive Committee face new hurdles in their impending appointment after they were recalled for fresh vetting.

 The Committee on Appointment at the Nairobi County Assembly has summoned the three after fresh allegations contained in sworn affidavits were delivered to the office of the Clerk of the Assembly Jacob Ngwele.

The three;  are Dr Timothy Moki King’ondu (health Services) and former town clerks Tom Odongo (Land, Housing and Physical Planning)  John Gakuo Water, Environment and Natural Resources are scheduled to defend themselves Thursday morning.

The affidavits are said to be containing damning information that, if established, may end up denying them the job in Governor Evans Kidero’s first cabinet.

Wednesday evening, Odongo confirmed that he had cut short a trip to Japan to attend the vetting session this morning but defended his record in public service.

“I have been away but I want to clear my name for once and for all, these allegations are unfounded and I suspect this is the work of mercenaries for hire but am ready to defend myself as I know that throughout my professional life, I have upheld dignity in service delivery,” Odongo said.

Gakuo also confirmed to the clerk had also written to him to answer to some allegations of high handedness leveled against him during his tenure at City Hall as Town Clerk.

“The letter claims there was a private building that was demolished by officials of the Planning Department during my tenure as the town clerk. The complainant alleges that I did not reply back to his compliant when he wrote to my office, but I will avail myself to clear the air on the operations of the defunct town clerk’s office,” Gakuo said on phone.

The three were vetted a week ago alongside seven other nominees and if approved by the committee, then Kidero will move ahead to appoint them.

At the same time, sources have indicated that Dr. Kidero is seeking to replace one nominee by bringing a new name.

A new person, Patrick Makokha will be forwarded to the committee in place of the County Executive Education, Youth Affairs, Culture, Childen and Social Services nominee John Kennedy Wanyama.

 Wanyama admitted during his vetting that he had canvassed for the position through his political God fathers who include top Ford Kenya officials.

The Committee on Appointment is expected to  travel to Naivasha Thursday evening, to write their report on the nominees after the vetting and thereafter table the list of Kidero’s nominees to the County Assembly next week.

Meanwhile the Jubilee Alliance has withdrawn membership from all the committee at Nairobi County until they get the leadership of all the oversight committees.

Minority chief whip Hashim Kamua Wednesday sent a text to all Jubilee County Assembly members informing them that their membership has been withdrawn until the stalemate is used.

Just like the National Assembly, Kamau argues that Jubilee which is the minority in the county should control the oversight committees that will play watchdog role in Kidero’s regime.